MSC NCLEX Physiological Integrity Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Related

Review MSC NCLEX Physiological Integrity Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies related questions and content

An infection in a central venous access device is not eliminated by giving antibiotics through the catheter. How might bacterial glycocalyx contribute to this?

  • A. It protects the bacteria from antibiotic and immunologic destruction.
  • B. Glycocalyx neutralizes the antibiotic, rendering it ineffective.
  • C. It competes with the antibiotic for binding sites on the microbe.
  • D. Glycocalyx provides nutrients for microbial growth.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Glycocalyx is a viscous polysaccharide or polypeptide slime that covers microbes, enhancing adherence to surfaces, resisting phagocytic engulfment, and preventing antibiotics from contacting the microbe.